No Senior Should Need a Food Bank

The need for Canada's charitable food assistance programs has increased by 31% in just four years. The 2008-09 recession caused a dramatic spike in hunger and, almost 4 years later, food bank use remains at record levels.

Many seniors watched helplessly as the recession battered their retirement savings. For the most vulnerable seniors, public pensions are simply inadequate in the face of the rising cost of food, housing and energy.

Canadian seniors need our support. Tell the federal government to increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and ensure that no vulnerable senior has to use a food bank.

Hunger is devastating for those living through it, and impacts our society as a whole. To address it, we need to be more effective at how we help people become more self-sufficient. We also need to be more supportive of those who need help over the longer term.

Tell the federal government to increase the GIS so that no senior falls below the poverty line.